As teachers, we hope to positively impact all of our students. Still, it seems there are at least a few each year with whom we might have had a greater impact than the rest.

Or rather, maybe it’s they who leave their impact with us. (Or okay, we know it goes both ways.)

Perhaps these students gleefully came to our offices with curious questions unrelated to the lesson of the day? Or raised their hand in class just a little higher? Last year I was lucky to have a few such students.

One in particular, was a girl who certainly didn’t start out that way. To say she wasn’t confident in her English ability would be an understatement; she was downright insecure. She was very shy and apparently did not have many friends.

I had made a habit of walking the room before the bell, greeting students; and early on, I complimented her as I did so. She was a fantastic artist.

Soon, she would come to my office just to say hello and show me her latest artwork. I am happy to say that throughout the year we developed a genuine friendship, as she would visit me after lunch almost daily, asking questions about the US or how to say a certain phrase she overheard somewhere.

Her homeroom teacher and others remarked to me on the incredible leap in her confidence with English, and in general. And I am so proud of her.

Finding the confidence to try to speak English is all I ever attempted to facilitate in any of my classes.

Budget cuts (surprise) in the high school program forced me to move schools this year; and though I gave my email to all my students, she is one of a few who continue to email me regularly and with whom I look forward to seeing succeed throughout her life.

AdamGreenberg.com is the official website of some guy by the same name. Thanks for being here.

Adam's grateful his 20s were a debt-free decade traveling with intention through work with meaning.
Some of that work includes TOMS, The White House, teaching abroad, experimenting with art and business in the Gift Economy, and two proud terms of national service with AmeriCorps.We have got to reform student loan debt for all.

AdamGreenberg.com is the official website of some guy by the same name. Thanks for being here.

​Adam's grateful his 20s were a debt-free decade traveling with intention through work with meaning. Some of that work includes TOMS, The White House, teaching abroad, experimenting with art and business in the Gift Economy, and two proud terms of national service with AmeriCorps. We have got to reform student loan debt for all!